A new state-of-the-art cancer centre has formally opened at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey.

The Oak Cancer Centre was officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince William, The Prince of Wales. 

Funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the research and treatment facility will help accelerate the development of new cancer treatments, offering hope for cancer patients worldwide.

Named after the Oak Foundation, which donated £25m to the £70m appeal to finance the centre, the new building will enable clinicians to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage and has been designed to enhance the patient experience. 

The new building has been designed as a landmark at the world-renowned hospital and research hub in Sutton, located adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).

A global leader

And it is set to become an integral component of the new London Cancer Hub, an emerging ‘knowledge cluster’ which will become a global leader for cancer research, treatment, and innovation.

Carefully-considered, clinical design by BDP Architects has created a blend of world-leading cancer research spaces, bringing together researchers in the Kuok Research Centre and outpatient activity, including 63 chemotherapy chairs in the Olayan Day Care Unit and the new Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre.

And the provision of areas where staff and patients can interact with the healing qualities of nature is vital to the design, creating a contemporary environment and a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to natural daylight, views, and fresh air.

Set over six floors, the architecture has integrated multiple, easily-accessible external terraces with a striking pergola on the top floor. Each of these provides crucial breathing space for respite for staff and patients.

Bringing the outside in

And all 63 chemotherapy bays are oriented towards a newly-landscaped garden, providing views of green space which enhance patients’ feelings of calm and wellness.

The westerly aspect, full-height glazing, and external vertical shading fins further deliver a filtered, dappled sunlight effect to enhance feelings of tranquillity. 

Using the very latest technology, the new Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre and the Kuok Research Centre will provide spaces for world-class scientific research and development, which will advance lifesaving treatments and enable earlier, faster diagnosis for more people, enhancing outcomes. 

It also brings together more than 400 scientists and researchers into a space designed specifically to encourage collaboration at the very heart of the building.

Cancer centres are where some of life’s most-stressful moments happen, so throughout the design process we wanted to ensure patients would receive treatment in the best-possible environments

The design deliberately embraces the visibility and transparency of this vital work to provide a reassuring presence and real sense of progress and advancement for those being treated.

BDP’s architect director, Dominic Hook, said: “Cancer centres are where some of life’s most-stressful moments happen, so throughout the design process we wanted to ensure patients would receive treatment in the best-possible environments.

“Every part of the architecture here is considered so that anxious patients are not further stressed by being disorientated or struggling to find their way around.

Considered design

“They will be able to enjoy great views, peace, and quiet while receiving chemotherapy and a legible and accessible design means those attending the new outpatient department will be able to undergo blood tests, see their consultant, and collect a prescription, all on the same floor. 

The Oak Cancer Centre represents a significant advancement in bringing together clinicians, researchers, and patients in an environment that positively supports collaboration

“I have no doubt that this building will improve the lives of the patients who use it and, in our small part, we have helped create a place that can bring support, comfort, and reassurance to people who need it.”

Andrew Wilson, operations director for main contractor, ISG, added: “The Oak Cancer Centre represents a significant advancement in bringing together clinicians, researchers, and patients in an environment that positively supports collaboration.

“Technology has been a key facilitator during the construction phase, with cutting-edge visualisation tools used to spatially plan and maximise patient and clinician outcomes and this will then follow through into the operation of the building and the use of ground-breaking diagnostic and treatment technologies.”